Toxicologists investigate the effects that chemical, physical or biological agents have on individuals, animals and the environment to determine if they are harmful.
Graduate students in toxicology typically come from a variety of chemical and life sciences backgrounds. The graduate program is designed to prepare you for positions in academia, government and industry (for-profit and nonprofit). Courses are selected in accordance with your research needs and career goals.
Program Highlights
- You will have opportunities to present your research and win awards at national and regional toxicology meetings.
- The program has an extensive alumni network in academia, consulting, government and industry that provides you with career development advice and potential job leads.
- Our toxicology faculty are worldwide leaders with major roles in the most prominent toxicology societies.
Potential Careers
- Health science technician
- Research scientist
- University faculty
- Toxicologist
Concentrations
MS Non-Thesis Plan of Study MS Thesis Plan of Study PhD Plan of StudyProgram Quick Facts
Degree Type:
Master’s, Doctoral
Program Length:
Master’s: 2 years
PhD: 5 years, dependent upon dissertation
Location:
West Lafayette, IN
Department/School:
School of Health Sciences
Research
The toxicology graduate program offers opportunities to work closely with faculty on a variety of interdisciplinary research projects to investigate the effects toxin or chemical exposures on health and well-being.

Research Opportunities
- Environmental causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and essential tremors
- Fetal origin of adult diseases due to early exposure to chemicals (metals, pesticides)
- Molecular and systems toxicology: identification of the molecular mechanisms of the adverse effects associated with a chemical exposure
- Radiation-caused cellular toxicities
- Rodent model of Parkinson’s disease, zebrafish-based genomic analysis, in vivo and in vitro models of blood-brain barrier transport of toxins
- Epidemiological identification and characterization of exposed populations and biomarkers
Research Areas
Research Facilities
- Life Science MRI facility
- The Birck Nanotechnology Center
- The Bindley Bioscience Center
- The Regenstrief Center for Healthcare Engineering
- Purdue’s Center for the Environment
Admissions/Requirements
Applications submitted prior to January 10, 2023 will be considered for fellowships and awards.

Jason Cannon | Program Director
For questions regarding the toxicology graduate program, please contact cannonjr@purdue.edu.